Iphone 6 Or Galaxy S7 In 2025 Is The Upgrade Even Worth It

In 2025, holding onto an iPhone 6 or a Galaxy S7 isn’t just nostalgic—it’s increasingly impractical. Both devices were flagships in their time, celebrated for design, camera quality, and innovation. But five to seven years later, smartphone technology has evolved dramatically. The real question isn’t whether these phones still work, but whether they can meet the demands of modern digital life. For users still clinging to either device, the decision to upgrade isn’t just about new features—it’s about security, functionality, and daily usability.

Today’s apps are heavier, websites are more complex, and mobile services expect faster processing power and updated operating systems. Running iOS 12 or Android 8 is no longer sufficient for seamless experiences on platforms like Google Maps, Instagram, or even banking apps. So, is upgrading from an iPhone 6 or Galaxy S7 in 2025 actually worth it? The short answer is yes—but not necessarily for the reasons you might think.

Performance and Real-World Usability in 2025

The iPhone 6, released in 2014, runs up to iOS 12.5.7—the last update Apple provided for the model in early 2023. The Galaxy S7, launched in 2016, topped out at Android 8.0 Oreo with Samsung’s custom skin. Neither device receives security patches anymore. This lack of updates means vulnerabilities remain unpatched, making them prime targets for phishing attempts or malicious software through compromised websites.

On a practical level, both phones struggle with multitasking. The iPhone 6’s A8 chip and 1GB of RAM make app switching sluggish. Safari frequently reloads tabs due to memory constraints. Similarly, the Galaxy S7, despite having 4GB of RAM (a lot for its time), suffers from degraded performance due to aging NAND storage and thermal throttling. Apps like WhatsApp or Chrome often freeze or crash under moderate use.

Tip: If you're still using either device, disable background app refresh and automatic updates to reduce strain and extend battery life.

Software Support and Security Risks

By 2025, both devices exist in a digital gray zone—functional but unsupported. Apple stopped signing iOS 12 updates in 2023, meaning even reinstalling the OS is no longer possible through official channels. Samsung ended all support for the S7 in 2019. No firmware updates, no patch management, no protection against emerging threats.

This creates tangible risks. Modern web standards like TLS 1.3 may not be fully supported, leading to connection errors on secure sites. Two-factor authentication apps may stop working if they require newer OS versions. Even basic tasks like logging into email or accessing cloud storage can become unreliable.

“Devices that don’t receive security updates are effectively open doors. It's not a matter of if they’ll be compromised, but when.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Cybersecurity Researcher at OpenNet Labs

Comparison: iPhone 6 vs Galaxy S7 in 2025

Feature	iPhone 6	Galaxy S7
Release Year	2014	2016
Last OS Version	iOS 12.5.7	Android 8.0 Oreo
Security Updates	None since 2023	None since 2019
App Compatibility	Limited (many apps require iOS 14+)	Declining (Google Play Services issues)
Battery Health	Poor (original batteries degraded)	Moderate (replaceable, but aging)
Web Browsing Experience	Very slow, frequent crashes	Unreliable, outdated browser engine
Camera Quality	8MP, struggles in low light	12MP, better dynamic range

The Galaxy S7 holds a slight edge in hardware longevity due to its higher-resolution screen, expandable storage, and superior low-light photography. However, both suffer from the same core issue: obsolescence driven by software, not hardware failure.

Real-World Example: One User’s Journey

Mark, a freelance writer from Portland, used his iPhone 6 as a secondary device until mid-2024. He relied on it for notes, voice memos, and offline reading. But he began noticing problems: his Gmail app stopped syncing, Dropbox wouldn’t open files, and Safari couldn’t load modern news sites. When he tried to install a podcast app for research, the App Store showed “Not Compatible.”

He switched to his old Galaxy S7 as a backup, hoping Android would fare better. While it booted faster initially, he found that Google Maps rerouted incorrectly due to outdated location services, and WhatsApp Web failed to pair. By late 2024, both devices were relegated to offline calculators and alarm clocks.

Mark finally upgraded to a budget Android phone in January 2025. The difference was immediate: apps loaded instantly, notifications arrived reliably, and he could finally use mobile banking without error messages. “I didn’t realize how much stress I was under just trying to make old tech work,” he said. “The upgrade wasn’t about luxury—it was about peace of mind.”

Step-by-Step: How to Decide Whether to Upgrade

1. Test daily app performance: Open your most-used apps (messaging, email, browser). Do they crash or lag?
2. Check for security warnings: Does your bank or email provider warn about insecure devices?
3. Verify app store compatibility: Try downloading a new app. If installation fails, your OS is too old.
4. Assess battery health: If charging takes hours or drains in minutes, replacement parts may be scarce or costly.
5. Consider repair costs: Replacing a battery on an iPhone 6 can cost $50–$80. A new entry-level smartphone starts around $120.
6. Calculate long-term value: Spending $150 on a new phone that lasts 3–4 years is more economical than maintaining a failing device indefinitely.

Tip: Before upgrading, back up any irreplaceable data—photos, contacts, notes—using a computer. Cloud sync may no longer function reliably.

What You Gain by Upgrading in 2025

Modern entry-level smartphones offer capabilities far beyond the iPhone 6 or Galaxy S7. Even budget models now feature:

• 4G LTE and VoLTE support for clearer calls
• Dual SIM and eSIM flexibility
• Improved cameras with night mode and AI enhancements
• Face unlock or fingerprint sensors
• Three years of guaranteed OS and security updates
• Support for modern services like Google Wallet, Apple Pay (on newer iPhones), and smart home integrations

For less than the cost of two months of streaming subscriptions, you gain access to a secure, functional device that integrates seamlessly with today’s digital ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my iPhone 6 or Galaxy S7 as a backup phone?

You can, but only for very limited functions: emergency calls, offline music, or as a dedicated e-reader. Avoid using it for anything involving passwords, banking, or personal data due to security risks.

Are there any affordable upgrades that make sense?

Yes. Phones like the iPhone SE (2022) or Samsung Galaxy A14 offer modern iOS and Android experiences starting at $250 and $150 respectively. Refurbished models from certified sellers can be even cheaper.

Is it worth replacing the battery instead of upgrading?

Only if you plan to use the device temporarily or donate it. Given the lack of software support, a new battery extends usability by months—not years—and doesn’t solve underlying compatibility issues.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It

Holding onto an iPhone 6 or Galaxy S7 in 2025 is like driving a car with bald tires and no airbags. It moves, but it’s unsafe and inefficient. The emotional attachment to these devices is understandable—they were reliable companions in their prime. But technology isn’t static. What once felt cutting-edge now hinders productivity, security, and connectivity.

Upgrading isn’t about chasing the latest trend. It’s about aligning your tools with your needs. In 2025, basic smartphone expectations include reliable messaging, secure browsing, and access to essential services. The iPhone 6 and Galaxy S7 can no longer deliver that consistently.

If you’ve been hesitating, consider this: the time and frustration spent troubleshooting an outdated device likely outweighs the cost of a new one. For less than $200, you can re-enter the modern digital world with confidence, speed, and safety.

💬 Have you upgraded from an iPhone 6 or Galaxy S7? Share your experience—what surprised you most about the change? Your story could help someone else take the leap.